NZ v Australia 2nd Test: Cricket Australia say Christchurch Test still on despite earthquake
CRICKET Australia will keep a close eye on the effects of the Christchurch earthquake, but at this stage next week’s Test against New Zealand will go ahead.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
ENGINEERS will undertake a comprehensive safety check of Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on Monday as Cricket Australia continues to keep a close eye on the effects of the latest severe earthquake to hit the city ahead of next week’s second Test against New Zealand.
There is understood to be no damage to the Christchurch pitch or the Sir Richard Hadlee stand, and at this stage the series finale set to decide whether Australia will go to No. 1 in the world, will go ahead as planned.
The cricket offices at the Christchurch ground were part of the evacuations caused on Sunday afternoon by the magnitude 5.7 earthquake.
Minor damage to houses, continuing aftershocks and the calling off of a local football game were also reported, but in regards to the Test match to begin on Saturday, engineers aren’t expected to find any faults at the Hagley Oval venue.
CA will stay on top of the situation in conjunction with New Zealand cricket and the safety of players and staff will be its utmost priority. They will assess any potential risk before flying to the south-island city, however, at this stage the tour schedule will not be interrupted.
It’s understood New Zealand cricket would also be surprised if problems were encountered.
The Australian team are due to fly into Christchurch on Wednesday.
Days one and two of the match, which will be adopted Canterbury local Brendon McCullum’s farewell international appearance for New Zealand, have already been sold out.
The latest incident was another sobering reminder for the long-suffering people of Christchurch who are still recovering from the devastating earthquake of 2011 that claimed the lives of 185 people and ruined buildings across the city in the second deadliest natural disaster New Zealand has ever known.
The Waratahs are currently south of Christchurch on a camp leading up to the Super Rugby season, however it’s understood they’ll also be remaining in the region.
The New Zealand women’s open golf tournament featuring star Lydia Ko also continued on Sunday.
There was another far more minor incident during day three in Wellington, with a small bush fire breaking out on the hills overlooking the ground.
Smoke spread quickly and the sound of sirens roared as emergency vehicles attended the scene, however the fire appeared to be contained.
Carey set for Lord’s Test return after infamous Ashes stumping
Alex Carey will return to Lord’s for a Test the first time since the infamous Jonny Bairstow stumping without fear or regret and living proof that what does not kill you makes you stronger.
Starc makes $400K sacrifice by pulling out of IPL
Mitchell Starc has sacrificed close to a half-million dollars and the risk of being blackballed by the IPL by refusing to return to India due to concerns for his safety and family wellbeing.